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51. (PRELUDE TO THE COWPENS) LEWIS MORRIS, JR. Aide-de-Camp to John Sullivan and then to Nathaniel Greene during the Sourthern campaigns of 1780-82. Son of Signer Lewis Morris. A great set of three letters written while an aide-de-camp to Nathaniel Greene in the days preceeding Daniel Morgan's spectacular victory over Tarleton at Cowpens on Jan. 17, 1781. The letters, all drafts, give rich detail of the desperate situation for the Southern Department at the opening of 1781. All the letters are in the hand of Morris but unsigned. The first letter, 2pp. legal folio, "Headquarters on the Pedee", Jan 6, 1781 to "Mr. Custis" reads in part: "...You have no doubt been informed of the armies having left Charlotte and the reason which induced the Genl. to here the scarcity of provisions and forage and the necessity of moving to a place were we could obtain a supply were among the principal motives -- Here were flattered with the pleasing prospect of a few weeks repose in a position secure [illeg.] of and remote from the Enemy. Where my poor[?] soldiers would have patched their tattered garments...and discipline so necessary in a young army have been attended to - but in the light of our capacities - Genl. Leslie has arrived - a new scene opens and we are again called to [illeg.] the enemy for the best information...Genl. Leslie has already advanced to Camden and...making for vigorous operations - our little army may wait his approach but I am apprehensive its efforts will be too feeble to check their progress -- [next few lines crossed out, but is essentially a draft of the next passage]...However I have great dependence upon the obstacles they must unavoidably meet with - the whole country between this and Camden is almost entirely Laid waste little or nothing can be obtained every thing must be transported with them. This will undoubtedly retard his movement the difficulty will increase as they advance and if they should attempt to penetrate thro' N Carolina _ I am not without my hopes this policy will prove their destruction." The next letter, 2pp. legal folio, "Kershaws Ferry on the Pedee River South Carolina", Jan. 12, 1781, reads in part: "...I wrote you a letter a few days since in which I gave you a particular account of the situation and prospects of this department. Genl. du Portail who is exchanged and on his way to the Northern Army affords me an opportunity to write you again. Nothing material has transpired since the date of my last - except Genl. Leslie with his detachment having advanced to Camden and the preparations which are making by Lord Cornwallis to penetrate into North Carolina - Colonel Lee with his corps has joined as likewise Colonel Smith with a Maryland State Regiment and Colonel [illeg.] with a Virginia Regiment is within fifteen miles of this Camp, that with the addition of all these corps, we shall not be equal to more than one third of Cornwallis's numbers. However - Sum spiro, sperando - is we can't fight, we can run away - While the Northern Army has retired into Quarters this is just upon the beginning of a campaign the season here permits us to be active, but it will be checkered with many difficulties and embarrassments - If we are successful we shall have the more honor If we are unfortunate - our country will feel for us. I have my hopes but nothing more to flatter me - Should I survive with reputation at the close I think I should be justified in retiring - I will not form any determination; but only suggest it for your opinion - If I was in the line of promotion ambition, a zeal for the same and love for military fame, would induce me to continue - but precluded from that prospect I loose that ardor - I am considered as a supervisory officer and as such the service provides for me. The half pay and some office under government will enable me to live- and as I cannot rise in the military I may make myself useful in the civil - you will give me your opinion upon this subject..." The third letter is not dated, but appears to date before Cowpens, 4pp. legal folio, [n.p., n.d.], reads in part: "...I have wrote you several letters since I have been in this department which I conclude must have come to hand, as they were sent with t he public dispatches to congress - I have received no answer from your or any other I have written neither shall, I unless they were sent by the Expresses from Congress - no other conveyance can reach me - the Post stops in Virginia and all letters sent by that channel will remain in the office till they are advertised. Things remain much in the same state with us as when I wrote you last - Lord Cornwallis with Genl. Leslie's reinforcements and the troops which lay with him at Wynsborough[?] between the Watree and Broad Rivers is in motion to dispossess Genl. Morgan on the West side of the Catawba River - His Lordship by moving his whole force against Morgan evidentially has a respect for his numbers and feels uneasy at his being upon his left flank and whatever may be his intentions against this army or the State of North Carolina he will not presume to proceed or put them in execution till he is removed - whether he can effect it or not I will not undertake to say -- If Genl. Morgan acts with that prudence and caution which I have reason to believe he will by guarding against a surprise avoiding a Genl. action and harassing the Enemy by partial attempts I conceive his Lordship will find it a very difficult matter -- The Dominion [Virginia] is against in arms and Arnold is the oppressor... The Baron's command in that state but his engagements at Petersburg in moving of the stores from that place prevented his giving any cover to Richmond...the enemy landed...marched up destroyed the public buildings &c. and returned without having a shot fired...We are amused with the hopes of a second division and a Spanish expedition against St. Augustine..." Three pieces, with the usual folds, otherwise fine condition. A fantastic group. $2,000-3,000
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